Chesterfield hotel’s survey reveals what delegates really want from business events
Casa Hotel in Chesterfield has marked its 15th anniversary and the arrival of its 370,000th guest with a national survey of 1,500 professionals, offering valuable insights into what delegates truly value at corporate events.
Delegates want great food, meaningful networking, and hassle-free logistics. They’re turned off by jargon, long travel times, and packed schedules.
Networking and team building were rated the top benefit by 36% of respondents, followed by food and venue quality (27%). Travel and logistics were the biggest frustrations, with 27% citing long journeys and parking issues as their primary concerns.
Nearly one in five said corporate jargon was a major turn-off.
The survey also highlighted five key trends shaping business events in 2025: networking remains the top draw, food is a dealbreaker, wellbeing is increasingly important, jargon is out, and convenience is non-negotiable.
Casa Hotel’s facilities reflect many of these preferences. With purpose-built meeting rooms, on-site dining, and easy access to Chesterfield station and the M1, the hotel continues to support the town’s reputation as a business events destination. Its Cocina restaurant serves locally sourced food from Walton Lodge Farm, and its events team works closely with organisers to deliver tailored experiences.
Founder Steve Perez said: “When I couldn’t find a premium hotel in the Midlands that met my business needs, I decided to build one. Fifteen years later, this survey shows that the fundamentals haven’t changed; people still want good food, comfort, and convenience. But they also want a human touch: fewer buzzwords, better logistics, and events that feel energising rather than draining.”
These insights align with Chesterfield’s growing profile as a location for business events, conferences and corporate hospitality. From heritage venues to modern facilities, the town offers a diverse range of settings for professional gatherings. For more on upcoming events and training, visit Chesterfield Business Events.
Casa Hotel is part of the Chesterfield Champions. The network plays a vital role in promoting the town’s strengths and supporting collaboration across sectors. With over 200 organisations involved, the network brings together businesses, charities, education providers and public sector partners who are passionate about Chesterfield’s future. Champions help share success stories, attract investment, and showcase the town as a great place to live, work, visit and do business. This is supported by a business event programme including regular events, round tables and forums.
To find out more or become a Champion, visit Chesterfield Champions.
